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Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
Swimming, sports, arts, crafts, STEM, theater, dance, ice skating, hockey and golf.
This summer, children can enjoy all these activities while having fun, learning new skills and making new friends, thanks to the rich variety of camps offered by the Northbrook Park District.
Summer camp registration is open. Those who register by February 17 can save 10% on most camps.
Summer camps run June through August at park district facilities and local schools with activities in parks, playgrounds and swimming pools, as well as field trips. The lineup includes half-day camps for ages 3-5 and full-day camps for ages 5-14.
Families can meet summer camp supervisors during a Summer Camp Open House from 5:30pm-7pm on Thursday, January 16, at Techny Prairie Activity Center opens in new tab, 180 Anets Drive in Northbrook. Children are welcome to attend, and there will be giveaways and a prize draw for a free week of camp.
This year, campers can enjoy a longer day, from 8:30am-3pm, at most full-day camps. Extended care is available before camp, from 7am-8:30am, and after camp, from 3pm-6pm.
Many camps offer the option to attend for one week at a time. That gives children the opportunity to explore different activities and allows families to find the best fit for their schedules, Youth Program Manager Mary Mucci said. Several camps are offering a 9th week of camp this year, giving campers the opportunity to extend their camp experience longer.
“We have a huge variety of camp options, so there is something for everybody,” she said.
Under the guidance of trained staff, camps provide a balance of outdoor activities, skill-based learning, creativity and team building experiences.
“In addition to helping children develop new interests and passions, summer camp provides so many benefits,” Mucci said. “For example, younger campers may learn skills like sharing and waiting in line, which helps them when they start school. As campers age, they continue to develop social skills and build self-confidence. Our goal is to expose children to new experiences and foster their growth and development.”
This summer’s camp lineup includes:
- Camp Sunshine and World Explorers for ages 3-5
- Kaleidoscope Kids, Lil’ Artists and Little Champions for ages 5-7
- Sports Mania for ages 8-10
- Summer Escapades and Artistic Explorers for ages 8-11
- Athletic Adventures for ages 11-13
- Hockey Training Academy for ages 5-12
- Theatre Arts Workshop for ages 8-14
- Skate and Dance for ages 5-14
- Northbrook Golf Academy camps for ages 4-15
Returning this year is the Counselor in Training Program for ages 14 and 15. Each four-week program (June 9 – July 3, and July 7 – August 1) will teach skills to prepare participants for a future position as camp counselor. Registration requires an application, interview and acceptance, along with attendance at all scheduled staff trainings the week of June 2.
More information, including camp locations, will be included in the park district’s “Spring into Summer” guide that will be available at nbparks.org/springintosummer in early February.
If your desired camp is full, your name will be placed on a waitlist.
To assist families and reduce barriers to access, the park district offers financial assistance toward recreation programs and memberships. The park district also offers inclusion services to residents with special needs thanks to a partnership with the North Suburban Special Recreation Association opens in new tab, which provides support staff during summer camps.
For more information about Northbrook Park District summer camps and the upcoming open house, visit nbparks.org/summercamps, call (847) 291-2993.